The overall goal of this research project is to develop low cost sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by moving to first row transition metal-based chromophores, specifically iron(II) polypyridyl complexes. To be an effective sensitizer the MLCT state of a chromophore must be sufficiently long lived for injection into the semiconductor to occur. Unfortunately, iron(II) polypyridyl complexes intrinsically have short lived MLCT states due to ultrafast deactivation to lower lying... Show moreThe overall goal of this research project is to develop low cost sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by moving to first row transition metal-based chromophores, specifically iron(II) polypyridyl complexes. To be an effective sensitizer the MLCT state of a chromophore must be sufficiently long lived for injection into the semiconductor to occur. Unfortunately, iron(II) polypyridyl complexes intrinsically have short lived MLCT states due to ultrafast deactivation to lower lying ligand field states. The research has been developed to gain more understanding of the fundamental causes underlying the ultrafast processes. This study is highly collaborative within our group and the aim here has been along the synthetic front, providing the means through which we may begin to tackle this complicated problem. Iron(II) polypyridyl complexes commonly possess a strained coordination environment through which orbital degeneracy is removed. The dense ligand field manifold that arises from the deviation from octahedral symmetry may be mediating the charge transfer to ligand field excited state deactivation. We set out to develop a highly symmetric iron(II) chromophore through which we may begin to investigate this theory. Our first efforts yielded a complex with a nearly perfect octahedral coordination environment that exhibits some exciting properties along with a significantly altered electronic structure. A series of symmetric iron(II) polypyridyl complexes were prepared to evaluate the impact of symmetry and substituent effects on the electronic structure and the synthesis and characterization will be presented. We also made the first step toward implemeting such a chromophore in a DSSC by introducing anchoring groups to the periphery of the ligands through which it can bind to a metal oxide semiconductor. We have not yet developed a viable sensitizer for a TiO2, however we have uncovered some promising possibilities and the future design strategies that are proposed that may bring us one step closer. Show less

Virtual reality (VR) and presence research has historically been conducted using large laboratory equipment. With the affordance of new technology, like the Oculus Rift, we can begin to delve into the world of consumer based VR interactions. The majority of consumers purchasing the Oculus Rift are interested in playing video games and one popular genre is horror. In addition, both males and females enjoy video games and VR yet there are still unanswered questions regarding sex differences and... Show moreVirtual reality (VR) and presence research has historically been conducted using large laboratory equipment. With the affordance of new technology, like the Oculus Rift, we can begin to delve into the world of consumer based VR interactions. The majority of consumers purchasing the Oculus Rift are interested in playing video games and one popular genre is horror. In addition, both males and females enjoy video games and VR yet there are still unanswered questions regarding sex differences and presence with these technologies. This study examined the impact of technological advancement (VR headset: Oculus Rift vs. traditional compute monitor), sex differences (males vs. females), and their interaction on spatial presence and fright reaction (self-reported measure as well as observable fear behaviors) while playing the horror game, Alien: Isolation. It was found that males and females did not differ statistically on spatial presence, self-reporting of fear, and observable fear responses. Technological advancement increased feelings of spatial presence. In addition, spatial presence was found to mediate the relationship between technology advancement and fear response (self-reported and observable fear behaviors). Show less

Using semi-structured interviews, this study set out to explore how faculty experiences in reading, teaching, and technology inform their use of hyperlinks and hypermedia in online teaching, learning, and course design. Further, an exploration of how faculty learn new technologies as they develop their online courses serves as a lens through which to view course design and its evolution. Study findings reveal that the use of hypermedia in online course design reflects the reading preferences... Show moreUsing semi-structured interviews, this study set out to explore how faculty experiences in reading, teaching, and technology inform their use of hyperlinks and hypermedia in online teaching, learning, and course design. Further, an exploration of how faculty learn new technologies as they develop their online courses serves as a lens through which to view course design and its evolution. Study findings reveal that the use of hypermedia in online course design reflects the reading preferences and practices of the faculty developing the course. Further, findings indicate that, even when formal faculty development programs are offered, faculty learning is extremely fluid, with heavy reliance upon the resources they can find easily and immediately as a means of learning new things. New teaching philosophies were rarely adopted, but new course structure elements and technologies were adopted if the faculty felt they would assist in the content delivery process. As a result, recommendations include the development of just-in-time resources for faculty, and the development of faculty development programs that allow for individualized assistance and transfer. Show less

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden point to the surging American auto industry as an example of economic recovery, during a visit to a Chrysler transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana. Biden describes the benefits of the plant to all the residents of Kokomo and talks about job creation, before introducing the President. Obama talks about retaining jobs, investing in new industries, tax cuts for working people, and Kokomo’s automotive history.

President Obama visits Applied Materials in Austin, Texas to announce a competition to establish three new Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. Obama talks about how the Austin area has become a hub for innovation, job creation and high-tech companies.